Becky Lowe is no stranger to hard work, discipline and perseverance. As a mom, IronMan triathlon competitor and career woman, she is used to setting her sights on a goal and working every day to achieve it for her community and loved ones. Here, Becky shares how her experience as a triathlon competitor can be seen in her professional career as a vice president of commercial banking at UMB Bank.

Find your goal

I began my career in banking with the goal of helping people by building meaningful relationships with my clients and team members. I started my journey as a bank teller and continued to work my way up to the role I am in now, vice president of commercial banking. In my role, I get to meet lots of different people, learn about their businesses and how I can help them grow.

It is rewarding to know that my goal helps other people find and accomplish their own.

Choose your next right step

When it comes to success, I find it is best to simply take it one day at a time by putting one foot in front of the other and continuing to move forward – no matter the speed bumps ahead. By choosing to focus on my next right step, I am able to look at what is in front of me and how I can get to where I want to go. My years as a runner have taught me the importance of pacing yourself and staying on course, which are mentalities I have brought with me into my banking career.

Overcome challenges

As a woman in what tends to be a somewhat male-dominated industry, it is important to find a workplace that supports you through any challenge. I feel empowered by the number of strong women at UMB that I am surrounded by on a daily basis. Throughout any challenge I have faced, I always assume the best and work to be positive no matter the situation. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow and overcome.

Embrace your community

I have the privilege to call Oklahoma home for over 10 years, which has given me the opportunity to see the community grow year-after-year and get to know the people and businesses behind this growth. The people within the Oklahoma community are what makes it a great place to plant roots and raise a family. I am lucky to have a career that allows me to get to know so many belonging to this supportive community.

Work every day towards the finish line

The road to any finish line can be grueling but race day makes it all worth it. In order to enjoy your race day, you have to be consistent and show up every day ready to work hard, even when you do not feel like it. Some days can feel like riding a bike on a cold, rainy day but the important thing is that you show up for yourself and your team members. If you keep these actions, your race day will certainly be a celebration of the hard work you put in day after day.

My experiences as a triathlon competitor have taught me valuable lessons that I have carried with me into my professional banking career. Life is a marathon, not a sprint so be sure to invest in yourself, learn from your mistakes and embrace each mile.

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